Security tightened across Kashmir ahead of Independence Day, Rehearsals held across distts
Srinagar: Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi said on Thursday said that Jammu and Kashmir Police have no information at present to substantiate reports linking Al-Qaeda to the November 25, 2025 blast near Delhi’s Red Fort.
IGP Birdi was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the full-dress rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar.
Asked about reports suggesting an Al-Qaeda link to the Red Fort blast, the IGP said police did not have any such information at present.
“I don’t think this is appropriate time to talk about it. If there is anything, we will convey it. As of now, we don’t have anything like this in our knowledge,” he said.
The remarks came as security agencies have intensified preparations across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the August 15 celebrations, with security arrangements being reviewed at major venues and across districts.
Birdi said security rehearsals had been conducted in different districts of Kashmir to ensure that the Independence Day programmes are held smoothly.
“Robust security arrangements have been put in place across Kashmir,” he said.
On security arrangements in the aftermath of recent attacks, the IGP said investigations were underway while district-level security measures had been strengthened.
“The investigation is going on. For that, the rest of the security arrangements, everyone is organising those arrangements themselves,” he said.
He said the police had also rehearsed security arrangements alongside the full-dress rehearsals for the main Independence Day programmes.
“We have rehearsed in different districts of the Valley. We have also rehearsed the security arrangements so that we can carry out our main programme on August 15,” Birdi said.
Asked about threats circulating on social media ahead of Independence Day, the IGP said the immediate focus was on ensuring security for the August 15 events.
“I think, for now, we should limit ourselves to August 15 and its security,” he said.
Birdi also appealed to people across Kashmir to participate in the Independence Day celebrations in large numbers.
“August 15 is a national event. I request the public to participate in the events taking place in the districts and administrative units in large numbers and make them successful,” he said.
The Independence Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir are being held amid heightened security, with police and other security agencies stepping up surveillance, area domination, checking and deployment at key locations and venues.
